Gordon E. Linkletter Obituary (1925 - 2012)

Gordon E. Linkletter, 86, of Athens passed away Monday March 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 1, 1925 in Athens, Maine, the son of Ernest and Dorothy (Cilley) Linkletter. Gordon graduated from Somerset Academy in Athens. He served in the US Army, attending two years of College while in the military for Army Air Corp Bombardier and Flight School. He married the former Melba Keaton on October 5, 1946 in Athens, Maine. He started out farming, and then he went to work for Peavey Manufacturing out of Oakland and Madison for several years as a manager. Gordon then started Gordon E. Linkletter Sawmill in 1963. In 1971, the family built a new mill called Linkletter and Sons. They progressed into logging in 1978. In 1986, they built and operated Gorbel Thermo Electron Power Company. He retired in 1989. Soon after retiring Gordon and Melba started wintering in Florida for many years. Gordon was a mason and past master of the Keystone Lodge in Solon. He was also a member of the Shriners, a member of the American Legion Post in Athens, and was a member of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron in Solon. He was first selectman in Athens for at least 12 years. Besides his wife Melba of 65 years of Athens, he leaves three sons: Richard Linkletter and his wife Nora of Athens, Bruce Linkletter and his wife Sandy of Athens, Robert Linkletter and his wife Debra of Athens; two sisters: Lois Hartford of Sun City, FL, Phyllis Goss and her husband Ralph of Glenburn; nine grandchildren: Scot Linkletter and wife Helen, Alan Linkletter and wife Kate, April Hay and husband Gene, Michael Linkletter and wife Julie, Jean Bussell and husband Cory, Brent Linkletter and wife Erica, Matthew Linkletter and wife Bethany, Andrew Linkletter, Samuel Perkins twenty-three great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son Robert Linkletter, two sisters; Ruby Petley and Ernestine Turner, three grandchildren; Audra, Ryan and Heath Linkletter, one daughter in-law Sandra Linkletter. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Mount Rest Cemetery in Athens, Maine. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. Donations may be made in his memory to HealthReach Hospice, Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 838, Waterville, Maine 04901